During the NHL’s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for May 21st, featuring the 1978-79 Montreal Canadiens.
Today in Hockey History
1978-79 Montreal Canadiens Win Fourth Stanley Cup in a Row
1979: Jacques Lemaire scores twice as the Habs beat the New York Rangers, 4-1, in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. Ken Dryden has an easy night with 15 saves thanks to the Montreal defence. Bob Gainey picks up the Conn Smythe Award for post-season MVP.
It’s the 22nd championship for the Canadiens franchise and their fourth straight. Montreal also gets its sixth Stanley Cup of the decade. The game is the last for Lemaire, Dryden and Yvan Cournoyer who all retire before the start of the season.
Other Notable Events
1981: Butch Goring‘s two goals help the New York Islanders win their second straight Stanley Cup. Goring gets the Conn Smythe after the Isles oust the Minnesota North Stars, 5-1, in Game 5.
1991: The Pittsburgh Penguins use a three-goal burst to down Minnesota, 5-3, in Game 4 of the Final.
1992: Kevin Stevens haunts his hometown team as the Penguins beat the Boston Bruins, 5-1. The Boston native scores four goals as Pittsburgh gets a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Final.
1993: Jari Kurri get his 100th playoff goal in the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 Game 3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
1995: Mike Vernon gets his first shutout since 1989 in the Detroit Red Wings 6-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. Vernon stops 15 shots in Game 1 of the Western Conference semis.
2009: Sidney Crosby is the third player to score six game-opening goals in the same post-season. Crosby helps the Penguins beat the Carolina Hurricanes, 7-4, in Game 2 of the East final.
2016: Jake Allen stops 31 shots as the St. Louis Blues win Game 4 of the Western Final. Troy Brouwer and Kyle Brodziak score two goals apiece in a 6-3 win over the Sharks.
2018: Braden Holtby stops 24 shots as the Washington Capitals blank the Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-0. The win forces a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Final.
2019: St. Louis reaches the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1970. Jordan Binnington makes 25 saves as the Blues beat the Sharks, 5-1, in Game 5.
Happy Birthday to You
1964: Tommy Albelin
1970: Roman Turek
1975: Todd White
1981: Craig Anderson
1985: Matt Hunwick
1997: John Marino
